Sky Perfect JSAT will acquire the HYLAS 3 satellite that is currently in orbit and owned by Avanti Communications.
Sky Perfect JSAT said the satellite will go through in-orbit testing and related procedures, and Sky Perfect JSAT expects to begin operations with the satellite under the name JSAT-144D in early fiscal year 2027. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The satellite, which launched in 2019, has 8 steerable Ka-band beams that can be configured across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and part of Asia. HYLAS 3 also shares a platform with European data relay mission EDRS-C.
JSAT stated its primary coverage area as JSAT-144D will be focused on East Asia, including Japan, with flexibility based on demand.
The acquisition is part of JSAT’s long-term fleet strategy, and the satellite will support public-interest applications, including unmanned systems and national security.
“The satellite communications market is undergoing profound transformation, driven by the entry of new players and growing demand for more advanced services,” commented Eiichi Yonekura, president and CEO of SKY Perfect JSAT. “Through our collaboration with Avanti, we are further enhancing the flexibility and responsiveness of our satellite fleet, thereby strengthening our communications infrastructure to meet a wide range of needs, including those in the security sector.”
Sky Perfect JSAT Space Business Unit president Teruo Yamashita recently spoke with Via Satellite about the company’s CapEx plans, stating that JSAT plans to invest 150 billion yen ($940 million) in its space business from fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2027.
JSAT also has two upcoming software-defined satellites. Superbird-9, built by Airbus, is scheduled for launch in 2027 and JSAT-31, built by Thales Alenia Space, is scheduled for launch in 2029, Yamashita confirmed.
This deal leaves Avanti with three satellites in orbit, HYLAS-1, HYLAS-2, and HYLAS-4.
